How new Air Force One compares to old version as Trump refuses to fly on latest plane gifted by Qatar
Donald Trump’s new Air Force One has been the topic of conversation for days since his visit to Turkey saw him board an older version of the craft, instead of the latest he was gifted by Qatar – but the reason could be down to the different capabilities of the jets.
Trump flew out of Turkey after attending a NATO summit on an entirely new Air Force One jet, as opposed to using the plane he chartered into the country.
The odd detail was recognised after the Ankara meeting, which was allegedly to discuss alliances.
But as each world leader took off to their respective nations, per the New York Times, US President Donald Trump left on 8 July on his older Air Force One instead of the newer version he’d taken on 6 July.
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The new Air Force One was the jet he was gifted by Qatar in a move that had people online kicking off about, as the Boeing 747-8 jet was a gift the Qatari government donated last year as an ‘unconditional' gift for the States.
Just last month, it was reported by the BBC that the US military finished modifications to the jet, costing around £300m, and was soon to begin commissioning flights and a ‘final exam’ before it can transport the president.
But is that still the case?
According to the Air Force, it might not be up to scratch, even with modifications.
As reported by the NYT, the new jet is being used as a ‘bridge’ while two Boeing jets that will be part of the permanent presidential fleet are being finished, but admittedly, the service said the Qatari jet didn’t have all the equipment usually found on an Air Force One.
This equipment is suggested to be something that makes it impossible for the POTUS to use it as a regular transport method.
“No risk was taken in security, safety or mission communications,” the Air Force said in a statement. “But the collective team made trades on some of the less commonly used mission sets that Boeing must deliver to support the next 40 years.”
While it didn’t go into detail about the ‘mission sets’, what is known is that the old Air Force One has visible defensive systems under the wing of the plane and on its tail.
However, in images of the Qatari plane, they are not able to be seen, per the outlet.
This security equipment allegedly on the older model includes missile defence systems.
There’s also questions being asked by experts, if the modifications were able to fit the jet with the protection needed to charter a president.
According to some, it wasn’t.
“Time didn’t permit all the normal Air Force One modifications, so some mix of security, communications and support is missing,” said Frank Kendall, the former Air Force secretary to the NYT.
“With the Iran situation, this could be of concern,” Kendall said. “Frankly, I’m surprised to see this plane used outside the U.S.”
As for what the White House says about this, White House communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement that while there are security systems on board, it’s all part of a wider tactic of ‘distraction’.
He even went as far as to say the new jet is equipped with ‘high-level security protocols’, but there’s more that needs to be considered when choosing a jet to fly.
He said: "The new Air Force One is a state-of-the-art aircraft that has been fitted with high-level security protocols that ensure the safety of the President and his staff.
"As the President has said recently, there are many enemies of America who have their sights on him, and we use every tool at our disposal— including distraction and misdirection— to address those threats."
LADbible reached out to the White House for comment.
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News
Britt Jones